Hello,
I plan to travel to Italy on the “Splendors of Italy” or “The Best of Italy” tour w/Trafalgar Being that I’m a first time traveler I had a couple of questions for those who have been to Italy a few times.

1.How's the weather in October?

2.Are the people in Italy friendly? How about the “gypsies” is it true that they do horrendous things to get into your wallet?

3.I know there are restrictions on how you dress when you are visiting the Sistine Chapel and I was wondering if you fellow travelers had any suggestions as far as what to wear. In any case what do you recommend to wear in Italy for the month of October?

4.I know this gets asked thousands of times but is there access to ATM machines?

5.Last but not least…was there any optional tour you regretted taking or you wished you had taken?

Thank you so very much,
Chandi

I was in Italy in October of 2002 for two weeks. I thought the weather, temperature wise was perfect. I wore a jean jacket on occassion, but most of the time I was quite comfortable in jeans and a light shirt. The first week we had several sunny beautiful days, one day of complete rain and many of the remainder were overcast with rain on occassion.

I found the people I met in Italy to be very friendly and fun. I have heard horror stories on pickpockets and while we saw the "gypsies" in many locations we never had a problem. Just be aware of what is going on around you and take regular safety precautions.

I believe that in most churches they expect the shoulders to knees to be covered. The weather was never overtly warm, and I don't think anyone on the tour ever wore short or sleeveless shirts.

ATM's were very accessible. I used these on two separate occassions and can't recommend them highly enough. Some of my tour counterparts had travelers checks and they had a much harder time finding places to exchange, usually had to wait in lines that took forever. I would keep a concious eye on your money situation and when you need it. I did look for an ATM at a stop in Milan and never found one. I wasn't critically low however so was just keeping an eye open should I see one and never did.

I took all the options offered and enjoyed them, even the one on Capri in the pouring rain. I was travelling alone and had made that decision before I left. If you do most of the optionals you won't have a lot of spare time although you do still get some.

Italy is wonderful and I had a spectacular time. Even now thinking back on that trip can lift me out of the occassional regular day to day doldrums. Have a great time.

I was in Italy in October of 2002 for two weeks. I thought the weather, temperature wise was perfect. I wore a jean jacket on occassion, but most of the time I was quite comfortable in jeans and a light shirt. The first week we had several sunny beautiful days, one day of complete rain and many of the remainder were overcast with rain on occassion.

I found the people I met in Italy to be very friendly and fun. I have heard horror stories on pickpockets and while we saw the "gypsies" in many locations we never had a problem. Just be aware of what is going on around you and take regular safety precautions.

I believe that in most churches they expect the shoulders to knees to be covered. The weather was never overtly warm, and I don't think anyone on the tour ever wore short or sleeveless shirts.

ATM's were very accessible. I used these on two separate occassions and can't recommend them highly enough. Some of my tour counterparts had travelers checks and they had a much harder time finding places to exchange, usually had to wait in lines that took forever. I would keep a concious eye on your money situation and when you need it. I did look for an ATM at a stop in Milan and never found one. I wasn't critically low however so was just keeping an eye open should I see one and never did.

I took all the options offered and enjoyed them, even the one on Capri in the pouring rain. I was travelling alone and had made that decision before I left. If you do most of the optionals you won't have a lot of spare time although you do still get some.

Italy is wonderful and I had a spectacular time. Even now thinking back on that trip can lift me out of the occassional regular day to day doldrums. Have a great time.